You will shortly be receiving the Autumn Newsletter which is with the printers at the moment but in advance of this I thought I would update you on current events and issues. Much of this will be repeated in the Newsletter as this is distributed to every household in our area.

Thank you to everyone who went and voted in the by-election and indeed some even emailed me to say that they would be going to vote and would be supporting Colin. Just what we wanted to hear! Colin Keane, who had been the Chair of Nonsuch for some time and was actively involved in local issues working closely with us on many occasions was our prospective Councillor. The by-election resulted in a win for Colin with 68% of the vote. Colin received 766 votes, Con 227, Libdem 92 and Labour 47. The turnout was 25%. Now we shall put your support to work! One thing I would point out and something we have brought up with the Councillors is that Wallace Fields Junior School was chosen for the voting station. This involved the closure of the school and inconvenience to parents who had children there and needed to arrange childcare. We have suggested that should an isolated event like this occur again, the hut in Alexandra Park is used so parents who are not involved in voting are not affected.

Thank you to our road stewards who did a sterling job delivering manifestos etc. We are most grateful.

Treasurer’s report – as detailed in the Newsletter

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have paid the £3.00 subscription for 2018. On-line banking and standing orders make this easy but the sad fact is that only half the residents do contribute although everyone receives the newsletters – we distribute over 850. This was indeed comprehensively discussed at the AGM, particularly when the costs of printing account for two thirds of our income. The suggestions were that we cut the newsletters down to one a year; that they are only delivered to people who pay their subscription; that we distribute them by email only to interested parties; that we change printers or that the subscription is increased. I have looked at new printers but this offers little saving, so as a temporary measure we are cutting down the number of pages and restricting the colour element for this issue to see if this helps.

The figures for the year to date are – subscriptions £882.39 (compared to £1,157.59 last year), AGM expenses including hire of hall, refreshments and support services – £213, hire of rooms at Nescot for committee meetings – £110 and printing and envelopes for the AGM notice – £473. We still have to pay for the printing of the Autumn Newsletter and some election expenses – so you see the problem!

Can I please encourage those of you who have not paid their £3.00 for 2018 to do this – see banking details below:

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Please either pass your envelope (green one if you still have it) to your Road Rep or pay online or by standing order – the bank details are:

Account Name: Association of Ewell Downs Residents

Sort Code: 20-29-90

Account No: 50126071

This does not apply to St James’ Avenue, which makes a lump sum contribution each year.

Planning Items

86 Reigate Road – (18/00801/FUL) – this is the same site where three houses are being built and the developer has submitted plans for two chalet bungalows in the rear garden. This has been strongly objected to by us and many residents of Ewell Downs Road. This could be the first backland garden development which is at odds with the Council’s development policies and it is likely to encourage others to do the same, increasing the density of properties and traffic along the road further. The site is pretty much opposite the Priest Hill entrance and crossing so will make for a hazardous exit. This has been called to Committee so the Planning Committee will make a decision on this – not the Officers.

Young Farmers Hut – (18/00850/FUL) – this is the application for the reconstruction/re-cladding of a former Young Farmers Club hut at North Looe to change of use from club hut to artist’s studio. Previous applications for residential accommodation have been refused but there are concerns that conversion later on to a dwelling would not be difficult! As requested by the residents of North Looe we are objecting. This is Green Belt land.

South Hatch Stables – ( 18/00308/FUL) – application for the demolition of the existing Racehorse Training Establishment (RTE) and the erection of a new RTE comprising of a main yard stable complex and facilities and enabling residential development comprising 47 apartments. This is a much needed scheme but the number of apartments on Burgh Heath Road is being widely opposed.

Lower Mill Ewell – (18/00865/LBA) – application for demolition of existing office building and redevelopment to provide 53 extra-care apartments with associated facilities (within Class C2), including conversion and alteration of the Grade II Listed Mill House and Granary Buildings, with parking, access, landscaping and other associated works. (Listed Building Consent). Many objections have been lodged, including that from the Epsom Civic Society, relate to the height of the development which is greater than the existing building.

The Kings Arms pub in East Street – (18/00315/FUL) – unused for many months. Application to demolish the building and build a three storey block containing 16 flats with parking.

Lidl – 65 London Road – (18/00573/FUL) – revised application for supermarket with reduced size and no houses on the old Organ & Dragon site. The same traffic issues are anticipated – there are many objections.

Other planning applications included approval of the demolition of existing buildings and erection of Sixth Form Centre at Epsom College; creation of a permanent car park with facilities etc and erection of visitors’ centre and associated infrastructure in relation to Langley Vale Wood which is awaiting a decision.

Traffic – we will all have been affected by the work to the pedestrian crossing on East Street which has at last been completed. Following complaints to Sainsburys the lighting phasing was changed but this caused a lot of chaos and we understand that vouchers were even given to some residents by way of compensation!

Two way traffic on South Street is now operational but requests for changing the phasing of the traffic lights to ease the flow from the Dorking Road into Epsom are planned. Work continues to disrupt traffic flow in Epsom town and will do so for some time – see the September bulletin. Full details of the work are available at epsom-and-ewell-major-transport-schemes.

Double yellow lines on Higher Green approach to The Green and the short road leading to the school gates of the Infant School– these proposals have been withdrawn.

Epsom Hospital – there are plans to sell off the old nursing accommodation which is now an administration centre at Rowan House on the Woodcote side of the grounds for a housing development. Councillors will resist any attempt to use the funds raised for anything except Epsom Hospital itself. For a report on the long term future of Epsom Hospital go to the-long-term-future-of-epsom-and-st-helier-hospitals-2377. A report on the Council position follows later in this bulletin.

Empty property initiative – the Council’s Strategy & Resources committee adopted an empty property strategy to further encourage owners of empty houses and flats to bring them back into use. The Borough has a serious shortage of properties and it is estimated there are around 200 properties empty, some for many years. The strategy of The Empty Property Group provides various options for action including the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders, as well as Empty Dwelling Management Orders and s215 notices whilst allowing for owners to apply for relatively modest sums to bring their properties back to the required standard.

Future 40 – a Council initiative to engage local people in developing a clear vision as to what they want the Borough to be like in the future, all the way to 2040 and beyond. Residents are invited to join in the discussion and share their views on the Borough’s long-term vision at www.future40.org.

The aim is to create “a bright and positive future that works for everyone” for the next 20, 30 or 40 years. It’s important to have your say.

Burglaries in the area – there were recently two incidents – a break-in to a car in Higher Green and a house broken into at the top of The Green with its car being stolen from the driveway. Prior to that there were burglaries to two houses in Reigate Road by moped gangs. We also understand that a youth is riding around the local streets armed with a high power catapult smashing car windows with stones fired from this device. The latest was at about 3am in early October in Rose Bushes and this follows a similar incident in the same road earlier in the week, when two vehicle windows were smashed. The only description is male, early twenties and his scooter has a particularly whining and individual exhaust. Police informed but they give you a crime number and can do very little else.

Unauthorised encampment – over the summer months there were an unusually high number of these on both council-owned and private land in the Borough. Close to us, it was Alexandra Park that was saved by quick action by the council officers alongside the Rangers and Police. In all cases significant anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping were reported. The policies and strategies for preventing and dealing with these are being reviewed.

Antiques Roadshow event – in aid of Epsom Rotary charities, at Unity Hall in Church St, on Wed 31 Oct, 2pm to 5pm. Tickets can be bought at the door – £5 includes up to 3 items valued, tea/coffee/homemade cake, and a talk from Windibank Auctioneers, Dorking. There is also ‘guess the value’ of an item brought by Windibank, with a hamper prize.

Ewell Yule 2018 –Friday 7th December from 5pm.Many local businesses will stay open late and have their own ‘attractions’. Glyn Hall will host various stalls as well. Already booked for the occasion are four school choirs, Morris Men, Green Sword dancers, Phoenix Clogs and two fairground rides. Father Christmas is sure to make an appearance and the Mayor, Cllr Neil Dallen, will chair the panel that will judge the Best Dressed window display. Parking will be free in the two Ewell Village car parks for the evening

“I will be offering cookery class gift vouchers and gift bags of my homemade spice blends and pickle (chickpea curry powder, Garam Masala, Curry powder and a very special mango pickle using my mother’s recipe) that make for lovely and unique gift experiences for the curry lovers in our family/ friends. These were a huge hit last year so have been tried and tested”

Senems natural

They make soaps that look like sweets and biscuits – but don’t be fooled. These are lovely soaps -and ideal for gifts.

Silent Pool Gin Distillers

Don’t miss out on the great gins from Silent Pool. They will be doing tastings and are only there on Thursday & Friday (8th and 9th).

As many residents will be aware, there are a number of proposals currently under consideration within the NHS that will shape the future of hospital and other local NHS services for the residents of Epsom and Ewell.

There is an understandable level of public concern on the future given the changes that are under consideration, including the physical location of the acute services for the Epsom and Ewell area and beyond. The message received from residents is very clear about where they feel the healthcare provision should be located and that’s at Epsom General Hospital.

This has become more important given our growing population, our growing older population, and more housing having been built on land previously owned by the NHS. Therefore, we need to ensure that we have a hospital with services and buildings that meets the needs of current and future generations.

As a result, your Residents’ Association borough councillors have agreed a position statement which sets out the Borough Council’s expectations regarding local future health provision:

That any new acute unit agreed by the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust be sited at Epsom General Hospital. The alternative locations are too London centric, create travel access difficulties for Epsom and Ewell residents and do not address the future expansion of housing and population anticipated in Epsom and Ewell and East Surrey.

That a 24 hour A&E unit be retained at Epsom General Hospital which supports treatment for all but the most serious of cases.

That additional speciality services be added to that currently provided by South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre.

That the current and planned disposal of land and estate buildings, even to fund improvements be halted, in order to accommodate additional health and related services for the residents of Epsom and Ewell and East Surrey. The sale of any such fixed assets of the Estate is not sustainable and will serve to limit the services and options for the future.

Support and make representations to Surrey and Borders Partnership to open a unit for people presenting in crisis with acute mental health needs within the Borough and East Surrey. The current concentration of mental health facilities at St Peter’s Hospital and (part of) West Park does not provide an easily accessible NHS service for our residents.

That clarity is provided on the future of the West Park Hospital Site. Whilst this is not an issue for the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, the future of the site is of importance to understanding how local services are to be developed and supported in Epsom and Ewell.

Whilst Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is not a final decision maker on the future of the borough’s health provision, your RA borough councillors will continue to ensure your views are heard, so please contact your local borough councillors if you wish to raise any issues regarding the future plans for Epsom General Hospital.

Web site – do visit this – ewelldownsra.org. I am sure some of you must have some local photos to put on this!

Facebook – our page is being well visited and “liked”. Do go and use this to display comments or pictures of the area.

Following the sad news that one of our Councillors – David Wood – recently passed away, a by-election has been called for Thursday 20 September within the Nonsuch Ward. You should all have received letters or poll cards advising residents of the date. Our prospective Resident Association candidate is Colin Keane. Colin has been the Chair of Nonsuch Resident Association for some time and is actively involved in local issues and has worked closely with the AEDR on many occasions. He and his team have been canvassing the ward over the last 2 weeks and some of you may have had the opportunity to have had a chat with him. Manifestos and postal vote letters have been delivered throughout the Nonsuch ward area showing that Colin’s priorities are:

protecting our Green Belt which is under threat from unreasonable Central Government housing targets

ensuring new development is appropriate to the area

ensuring our roads and pavements are properly repaired and grass verges are not damaged by delivery drivers and building work

ensuring care for the elderly and the young meets good standards

maintaining and improving the good record of litter clearing, graffiti removal, refuse and recycling collection

maintaining Nonsuch Ward and the Borough of Epsom & Ewell as a great place to live

Please may we encourage every one of you to vote for Colin on Thursday? Our connection with Resident Associations Councillors is vital and by-elections often meet with low turnout but let’s show that this time we can buck the usual trends and elect Colin with a BIG majority!

East Street roadworks – residents cannot help but be affected by the work currently being carried out at the Kiln Lane junction. This push button pedestrian crossing improvement work, controlled by multi-way signals, is expected to be completed by 1 October. Representation was made to Sainsbury’s to get the original signalling changed as the crazy approach caused traffic chaos and although this has improved slightly , we can only hope that the anticipated completion date holds good.

Epsom Town Centre Roadworks – works starting 17 September will comprise the renewal of the traffic signals at the Spread Eagle Junction, at the pedestrian crossing at the Ashley Centre access and at the crossing by Derby Square.

As the pedestrian crossings at the Ashley Centre and Spread Eagle are some of the most used in the town centre they will also have pedestrian count down markers so pedestrians can see how long they have to cross.

The traffic island in the cross roads will also be removed and the footway built out at the Metro Bank corner. This will be paved with the same type of blocks as recently used on the South Street footways and outside the Playhouse. The pedestrian crossing between this corner and the Spread Eagle will also be fully controlled making it safer than the existing crossing which has had an unfortunate history of pedestrian accidents.

Emergency utility works in East Street, Epsom – The leaking main on which SGN are currently working is situated underneath a large amount of concrete on the dividing line between lanes 1 & 2 of the southbound A24 East Street at the junction with Hook Road. In order to excavate and repair this, it will be necessary to dig in both lanes which would effectively close the southbound A24. Following a visit by the SCC network coordinator it appears that there is insufficient safe working space to keep a lane running either side of the works on the southbound side of the carriageway. There was also insufficient safe working space to run one lane in each direction in the northbound lanes because of the swing around the islands, intimating a closure of the A24 as the potential traffic management.

However there was clearly no suitable diversion route that would cope with the amount of displaced traffic. Consequently, after discussion with relevant departments SCC will make arrangements for the removal of the traffic signal island outside The Rifleman PH in order to maintain 1 lane of traffic in each direction on the A24.This will unfortunately necessitate right turn bans into & out of Hook Road and the permanent traffic signals at this junction will be turned out. Pedestrians will be diverted to the High Street facility. There will need to be a pre-divert for over height vehicles via the A240 Reigate Road, College Road, Alexandra Road and Upper High Street as appropriate. There will unfortunately be some degree of delay whilst all this is put in place.

Once the repair to the main is complete, the carriageway will need to be reinstated. Because of the amount of concrete involved, there will inevitably be a period whilst the site is unoccupied whilst it cures. Our SCC councillor will request SGN put signs up to inform the travelling public of this but I expect there will be a number of complaints when this happens. Hopefully this fully explains what will be happening in the forthcoming days. SCC apologise for the inconvenience it will cause but as it is a defect with SGN plant, the matter is somewhat out of our hands. SCC have pressed for an expected finish date but SGN state that they are unable to be definitive on this. SCC also asked if mains replacement was possible rather than repair but SGN say this is impractical and too expensive.

South Street roadworks – from 14 September all the traffic management and cones are expected to be removed and the two northbound lanes in South Street will be fully operational to traffic alongside the southbound lane. Once the Traffic Management has been removed it will be necessary to allow new traffic patterns to be established and the traffic signals will be monitored and adjusted if required to adapt to those new patterns. The traffic signals will be linked via the Urban Traffic Control system to ensure the junction operates as efficiently as possible on the western side of the town, but these patterns will be affected by planned improvement works at the Spread Eagle junction later this month.

Higher Green – the gas work here has been completed and it does not now seem that any further work is planned. Some residents commented that the work was carried out with as little disruption to them as possible in a friendly and accommodating manner.

It seems that the double yellow lines on Higher Green, Wallace Fields, Longdown Lane and Windmill Lane will be scheduled for 2018 but this has yet to be confirmed.

Nescot – with everything that has been going on we have not yet followed up the issues but as soon as the election is over we shall pursue matters with Ms Rutter and we much appreciate the continued support of our Councillors in this endeavour.

On the subject of the planting and weeding required to the roundabout, Nescot have now advised us that this is down to Surrey County Council so we will be taking this up with them.

Litter

Our thanks go to the two wonderful sisters who regularly go to Alexandra Park and tidy up all the litter. It is such a shame that those who go to the park in the evening do not put their rubbish in the bins provided. Any ideas on how to persuade them?

Planning – a brief outline

86 Reigate Road Ewell – Demolition of the existing detached garage and erection of 2 chalet bungalows with associated new vehicular access, parking and landscaping. This is the property where the building of three houses is taking place. Ref 18/00801/FUL. Is any action needed on this?

Mandalina Café High Street Ewell – outside seating area and awning at the front of premises – approved.

Ewell West Railway Station – no news regarding the start of work on the demolition of existing station footbridge and construction of new access for a new station footbridge incorporating lifts.

Kings Arms public house East Street – 18/00315/FUL | demolition of existing building and erection of a three-storey building to provide 16 self-contained flats and associated development including hard and soft landscaping, car and cycle parking and refuse store.

Sycamore Gardens – we have received comments from residents on the dangers associated with the volume of traffic entering St Norman’s Way in an attempt to access the new estate. It really has become a nuisance as the road isn’t wide enough to do a three point turn easily. In an attempt to access the estate, cars often end up on the bridlepath which as you know people use to walk with their children and even dogs off lead. Three point turns/ reversing on the bridlepath are dangerous manoeuvres. In addition it is putting pressure on the rural scree surface which will quickly become a quagmire when autumn comes. Circle Hill has been approached about making the new footpath safe and we also intend to contact them about the speed of traffic on Roman Way which potentially endangers children’s lives.

Local Plan – the Government requirement for the building of 579 housing units each year is being strongly opposed. At this time we have no further news but understand that work on the opposition to this is in progress.

East Street – there may be some action on the layby where parked cars cause traffic hold-ups close to the Kiln Lane right turn! A decision is expected in September so we will keep you posted.

LOCAL MATTERS AND EVENTS

Celebrating the end of WW1 – Bourne Hall on Sunday 23 September from 10:00 to 16:00.

A day to commemorate the end of fighting in the First World War in gratitude for those who fought in the First World War and to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the end of the ‘war to end all wars’.

from 10am – Bourne Hall Museum will be using re-enactors to give some idea of what life was like for the men at the front including a cook with his working stove, Padre, officer and troops with a Vickers Machine Gun! There will be displays and talks on feeding the troops, gas training, infantry weapons and machine-gunning. Also a field hospital with four nurses.

from 2pm – A celebration concert organised by the British Legion, with performers including Oatlands Pipe Band, Ewell Castle School Choir, Epsom and Ewell Male Voice Choir and the singer Sandra Gaye. The concert will climax in a sing-song of the greatest hits of the time. Bring your picnic and join in with a big thank-you to the men and women who served in the Great War. There will be stalls selling refreshments.

Bridge players – Bridge players needed please! Epsom’s first Cafe Bridge is on Tuesday 2 October starting at El Patio 9.30am £30 including lunch. For further details and tickets go to EEMayorsCharity

Face painters needed – The Sunnybank Trustis looking for Face Painters to help in aid of Sunnybank at 2 special events in the Ashley Centre on 27 October and 17 November. Can you help?

Bourne Hall Library is open again– following on from the relocation of dance, drama, cinema and music material from the Surrey Performing Arts library, we are pleased to announce that Ewell Library has now re-opened.

A day for all – Creatures Great and Small Saturday 22 September; 12noon – 6.30pmSt Mary’s Ewell

A day for children and adults to enjoy a variety of activities including: Nature Trail; Pets as Therapy; Surrey Wildlife Trust; Bugs Hotel; Secrets of the Beehive; Mouse Trail; Owls; Chi Kung; photography competition; crafts for children; children’s singalong and Swop Shop. For more info and the full event programme visit www.stmarysewell.com or call the Parish Office on 020 8393 2643.

Apples for charity – A local resident is looking for donations of surplus apples from back gardens in West Ewell and Ruxley. Graham uses these apples in pies and preserves to raise money for Hope for Children.

Hope for Children is a small charity based in Riga, Latvia which seeks to assist destitute families and school-age children. Day centres provide respite from severe deprivation before and after school with full-time education seen as imperative. Please see their website www.hope.lv for details and newsletters.

Ewell Horticultural Association’s Autumn Show – Saturday 22 September; 2.30pm – 4.30pm Blenheim High School, Longmead Road, Epsom KT19 9BH
free admission. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the displays of autumn flowers at Ewell Horticultural Association’s final Show of 2018.There will also be classes for cookery and floral art plus plants, bulbs and garden sundries for sale. For more info see www.ewellhortassn.co.uk

Epsom Laughter Yoga Club – fortnightly Laughter Yoga sessions are being held on the 1st of 3rd Friday of the month starting 7th Sept at 7pm. This will be at The Forge Scouts Hall behind Bright Horizons nursery on Church Road, KT17 4AB. First session free and £5 thereafter. Further information is on our website: www.epsomlaughterclub.co.uk

The lady who runs these sessions is also working with a local charity, “Love me – Love my mind” to offer free Laughter Yoga session during their Mental Health and Well-being Festival. The session will take place on Sat 6th Oct at 11am at St Barnabus Church, Temple Road, Epsom. Everybody welcome. They have other interesting workshops arranged for that week so please keep an eye on their website: See www.lovemelovemymind.org.uk

Age Concern Marathon 2019 – would you like a challenge for 2019? Age Concern is delighted to have another 10 places in the London Landmark Half Marathon and they are looking for runners ready to take up a challenge. Register your interest by emailing bev.worsley@ageconcernepsom.org.uk. The LLHM is on Sunday 24th March 2019 and this year’s runners were young, old, experienced runners, new runners, the fit and the not so fit! So everyone is welcome. They are particularly keen to have a runner over 65!

Flu vaccinations – these are available at doctors’ surgeries, Asda, Boots and Sainsbury’s among others. Should you have one? Visit the web site below:

Being a Councillor for Ewell/Nonsuch Wards – we are thinking about the May 2019 elections!

Have you ever considered becoming a Borough Councillor? Councillors are elected to the Borough council to represent their local community, so they must either live or work in the Borough. Becoming a Councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be able to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects. Please see the article on our Facebook page or visit the link below.

Priest Hill – the Surrey Wildlife Estate Team now manage the site through a centralised team. Surveyors, Practical Task Leaders, Liaison Officers, an Administrator and Estate Manager work to deliver the various objectives of the site management.

If you have an enquiry about any of their sites please feel free to contact the estates team on: countryside@surreywt.org.uk or 01483 910087 and they can direct your question to the appropriate member of staff.

Nextdoor Ewell Downs – this is a free private social network for your neighbourhood community. Nextdoor is a good way to stay informed about what’s going on in your neighbourhood. There is one for Ewell Downs and there are several members in this area for whom it has proved a useful method of communication.

Pothole reporting – Are you aware that pot holes can be reported to Surrey CC? Go to Report-it-Online. When a pot hole has been reported there is a case for compensation for anyone whose vehicle is later damaged by that pot hole. This web site can also be used to report a problem with pavements, street lighting and many other things.

Community Recycling Centres in Surrey – we would remind residents that the Blenheim Road site is now closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This gets very busy on Thursdays when the Leatherhead tip is closed!

Hessle Grove Allotments – is anyone interested in putting their name on a list for an allotment at Hessle Grove off Epsom Road? If so, please contact us and we will pass the message on.

Parking and consideration for other residents – residents have reported that owners of commercial vehicles who are not “permitted” to park outside their properties are parking in other areas – namely Wallace Fields and Higher Green. Surely out of consideration to other residents who are greatly inconvenienced by large vans and who deserve better, changes should be made to current practices.

Keeping in touch – this bulletin is distributed to all those who have provided email addresses. I hope everyone finds this flow of information useful and thank those who have commented in an appreciative way. Please pass this information on to any resident who may find it useful and ask them to let us have their email address so we can keep them in the loop.

GDPR – (General Data Protection Regulation) – you have asked to receive our email bulletins/newsletters. If you are happy with the emails you receive from us, you don’t need to do or change anything. You can unsubscribe anytime via the link below in each email we send. We do not share your email addresses with any other person or organisation.

Subscriptions – thank you to all the residents who have paid their £3.00 by way of returning the green envelope to their road steward, by standing order or online banking. We are most grateful to you. Our printing costs for the newsletter rise ever higher so please if you have not yet done so; pop your contribution ‘round to your road steward soon!

Web site – do visit this – www.ewelldownsra.org. This shows all our previous bulletins and other information.

Facebook – our page is being well visited and “liked”. Do go and use this to put comments or pictures of the area on.

Twitter –this is quite active with many followers of Ewelldownsra.

Comments and news reports – please use this as a two-way instrument and let us know if there is anything you wish to report or comment on.

The first thing I have to report is the sad and sudden death of one of our Councillors – David Wood. David joined the Council in 1995 and from 1999 represented Nonsuch ward and held the office of Mayor in 2006 and 2007. He had served as Chair and Vice-chair on numerous committees and was much admired for his defence of the character of Nonsuch ward and the precious green belt. It was the latter cause on which he had been particularly helpful. His local knowledge stood him in good stead and he was always ready to respond to our calls of assistance. He will be greatly missed. We should like to pass our condolences to his family at this sad time. This will trigger a by-election and the date of this will be publicised when determined.

Warning – Burglaries in the Area – residents should be aware that just recently there have been two burglaries in the area, one on the Reigate Road and one in Ewell Downs Road. In both cases the police have attended – very quickly for the Reigate Road one – and it seems that gangs on mopeds from London and Croydon are targeting the area, breaking into the back of a house where no cars are visible at the front – ignoring a burglar alarm – , stealing what they can quickly then leaving on their mopeds, trying to snatch a phone off an unsuspecting walker as they go. Please be aware of this and protect your property as best you can. There was also a spate of burglaries in Longdown Lane North and Links Road earlier in the summer – so please be aware!

AGM held on Tuesday 10 April 2018 – this was well attended by residents. Daniel Elkeles gave an interesting and positive talk on Epsom and St Helier Hospitals. We look forward to the steps that are being taken to fulfil his positive predictions.

Following on from this there were lively discussions on local matters which included the funding of social care in Surrey, the state of the roads and the finances of the Association, particularly the costs involved in printing the bi-annual newsletter. The minutes will reflect these issues.

Higher Green – apart from the work currently taking place by Southern Gas Networks to carry out gas main connection works in Higher Green and Wallace Fields, we would advise you that plans to complete the work in Longdown Lane North are also planned. The order came into force on 23 July 2018 and is valid for 6 months but works expected to be carried out within one week. Any enquiries to SCC at Merrow Tel 0300 200 1003 Authorizing Office R Bolton.

In addition to this, included in the parking review are double yellow lines on Higher Green, Wallace Fields, Longdown Lane and Windmill Lane. We would draw your attention to the Higher Green entry under Drawing Pack 5. See following item for web page.

Parking review – The Epsom and Ewell parking review for 2018 has now gone live on the SCC website. Please find the attached link, if any of you or your residents have any questions please refer to this or the appropriate divisional member.

Before the start of the summer holidays we contacted Nescot a) to chase up the request for an appointment with the Principal, Frances Rutter, and b) to ask for something to be done about the area of the new roundabout. We were totally unsuccessful in getting a reply from Ms Rutter herself and will have to follow this up in September. It does seem that the drugs issue has diminished somewhat and we have not had any further reports. This could be helped by the closing of the access gate to/from the path that runs from the Reigate Road to Ewell East station, at all times. Many resident commuters who regularly took a short cut across the college car park when accessing Ewell East station have also noticed this and are equally bemused. The view of some residents is that many of these routes and areas have been used for a couple of decades without challenge so are, by precedent, rights of way. This being still more the case when one considers that it is mainly the college’s near neighbour’s who are using such routes. We shall be taking this up with Ms Rutter.

On the subject of the roundabout, much effort was put into planting, both of genista on the animal husbandry side, and the incorrect planting of low growing shrubs on the residential side. Both of these areas have become totally overgrown and although the low growing shrub areas now sprout high growing wild flowers, the areas need to be properly maintained. We contacted the college to suggest that their horticultural students could be gainfully employed in weeding but have yet to hear back from them – or see any work being done! We shall get back to this in the autumn.

Litter

Having reported priority areas for litter clearance to the Council, we see that some work has been done. We understand that the incidence of hypodermic syringes in Alexander Park has been reported previously and taken up by the Council. None has been found recently.

Planning – a brief outline

12A Longdown Lane North – erection of 4 bed detached dwelling on land adjacent to 12 Longdown Lane North – application refused – we had objected to this.

Mandalina Café High Street Ewell – outside seating area and awning at the front of premises – awaiting decision. Change of use of approximately 9 sqm of existing pavement to provide external seating adjacent to existing cafe bar

1 Hook Rise South Surbiton – outline application for a total of 950 residential dwellings and other uses including a doctors’ surgery – no objections.

Ewell West Railway Station – application for prior approval under Part 18 of the Town and Country Planning (GPD) Order 2015 for the demolition of existing station footbridge and construction of new access for all station footbridge including lifts. The drawing below shows what the footbridge will look like from both sides. Network Rail are holding a drop-in for residents and passengers on THURSDAY 26th July between 4pm and 7pm at Bourne Hall.

Kings Arms public house East Street – we understand an application has gone in to demolish this and build 16 apartments.

Road names for Sycamore Gardens (Phase 2) – these were somewhat curious: Ceres Crescent (Goddess of Agriculture); Block A to be known as Minerva House (Goddess of Wisdom) 12 Ceres Crescent Flats 1 – 9; Block B to be known as Aurora House (Goddess of Dawn) 14 Ceres Crescent Flats 1 – 24; Block C to be known as Fauna House (Goddess of Animals) 15 Ceres Crescent Flats 1 – 9; Block D to be known as Jupiter House (King of the Gods) 10 Ceres Crescent Flats 1 – 8; Block E to be known as Juno House (Queen of the Gods) 16 Ceres Crescent Flats 1 – 8.

There was a Roman dig on this area some time ago and this gave rise to the idea to name the site after Roman Gods. We could find no other historic connection.

Local Plan – the Government requirement for the building of 579 housing units each year is being strongly opposed. At this time we have no further news but understand that work on the opposition to this is in progress.

Plan E improvement works – The Playhouse junction was closed for resurfacing on the 16 July for five nights and this work should now be complete. It is understood that this work will be completed so that by the August bank holiday weekend two way traffic will be using South Street!

This is the report from Surrey Highways:

“Playhouse junction improvements – Phase G

We are changing the junction layout so that two-way working on South Street can start. This will provide an extra pedestrian crossing across Ashley Avenue and South Street to the Playhouse.

The south pavement is being widened and rebuilt.

Epsom and Ewell council have agreed to renew the pavement at the Playhouse entrance, and these works have started.

The large flowerbed island has been removed and new pedestrian crossing islands have been built.

Marquis Junction improvements – Phase E

The junction layout has been changed to allow for the right turn from West Street into South Street

The pedestrian crossing island has been removed

Work started on the Market Place pavements and kerbs to allow the right turning from West Street and for two way working in South Street”

East Street – there may be some action on the layby where parked cars cause traffic hold-ups close to the Kiln Lane right turn! A decision is expected in September so we will keep you posted.

Road Closure for cycling event – Prudential Ride London returns to Surrey for its sixth year this month. The fundraising event is now Europe’s most successful fundraising event, with over £53 million raised for charity since 2013. The event, taking place on Sunday, July 29, will lead to several roads in Surrey temporarily closing. Road closures start from 5:00 am. This allows time for barriers to be installed, safety checks to be carried out and allows for stewards and volunteers to get in place.

Roads will start to reopen once the last amateur ride has crossed Hampton Court Bridge.

Hospital – Daniel Elkeles advised members at the Council meeting last week “ On the issue of funding the announcement about capital we think will be in November as part of the budget, the first announcement was only about revenue funding. So all still in play”

Pothole reporting – Are you aware that pot holes can be reported to Surrey CC? Go to https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/do-it-online/report-it-online. When a pot hole has been reported there is a case for compensation for anyone whose vehicle is later damaged by that pot hole. This web site can also be used to report a problem with pavements, street lighting and many other things.

Community Recycling Centres in Surrey – we would remind residents that the Blenheim Road site is now closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This gets very busy on Thursdays when the Leatherhead tip is closed!

Hessle Grove Allotments – is anyone interested in putting their name on a list for an allotment at Hessle Grove off Epsom Road? If so, please contact us and we will pass the message on.

Parking and consideration for other residents – residents have reported that owners of commercial vehicles who are not “permitted” to park outside their properties are parking in other areas – namely Wallace Fields and Higher Green. Surely out of consideration to other residents who are greatly inconvenienced by large vans and who deserve better, changes should be made to current practices.

LOCAL MATTERS AND EVENTS

Epsom Common Day 2018Sunday 29 July – Epsom will be steeped in local history as this year marks the 400th anniversary of Epsom Well with the discovery of ‘Epsom Salts’ site back in 1618. This gave Epsom its first claim to fame as a Spa town during the 17th & 18th centuries. There will be the Epsom Common Heritage Roadshow, stalls, guided walks, raffle, Christ Church history walk, local crafts, saw mill display, farm animals and Epsom Common Club facilities available, BBQ and much more.

Ewell Village Fair – the event on 14 July was well supported and raised £11,400 for the church upkeep and expenses.

Bourne Hall Library closure – the collection of performance material, currently held by Surrey Performing Arts Library at Denbies wine estate in Dorking, is being moved to Ewell Library. It will be housed there while NewSPAL, a newly formed charity develops its business plan to take on operational responsibility for the performing arts library service.

As a result of the above move Ewell Library will be closed from 5pm, 11 August to 9:30am, 11 September. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please note that you can return, borrow and renew books at any Surrey Library. Nearby libraries are Epsom, Ewell Court and Stoneleigh.

Being a Councillor for Ewell/Nonsuch Wards – this is now critical!

Have you ever considered becoming a Borough Councillor?

Councillors are elected to the Borough council to represent their local community, so they must either live or work in the Borough. Becoming a Councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be able to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects.

Being an effective Councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Councillors must balance the needs and interests of residents, the requirements of national and international laws and the Council.

These will all make legitimate demands on a Councillor’s time, so before committing yourself, you may want to speak to current or past Councillors. You should then discuss it with your family and friends to make sure they understand what you are taking on. You will need their support as you’ll have to spend some of your spare time on Council business.

As a first step, why not find out more about the roles and responsibilities in ‘What is expected of a councillor?’

What is expected of a councillor?

The councillor’s role and responsibilities include:

representing the ward for which they are elected

decision-making

developing and reviewing council policy

regulatory, quasi-judicial and statutory duties

community leadership and engagement.

Being a Councillor will involve meeting with residents and dealing with correspondence and phone calls from constituents. When dealing with casework or council business you may need to meet with council staff. Most Council meetings take place during the evenings, but some meetings with Council officers and residents may need to take place during the working day.

Council meetings are normally held six times a year, with Committee meetings about four times. As a new councillor, you are likely to be on one or more committee and may also have the opportunity to be appointed to outside bodies. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience in this area: once elected, you will be able to attend an induction course and will receive on-going support.

Could I be a councillor?

The easy answer is, “almost definitely”. As long as you are:

British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union

At least 18 years old

Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election

You can’t be a councillor if you:

Work for the council for which you want to be a councillor, or for another local authority in a political restricted post (these are generally the higher paid posts)

Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order

Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the 5 years before election day

Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court

If you are in any doubt about whether you are eligible to stand as a councillor, you should contact the borough council for advice.

Priest Hill – the Surrey Wildlife Estate Team now manage the site through a centralised team. Surveyors, Practical Task Leaders, Liaison Officers, an Administrator and Estate Manager work to deliver the various objectives of the site management.

If you have an enquiry about any of their sites please feel free to contact the estates team on: countryside@surreywt.org.uk or 01483 910087 and they can direct your question to the appropriate member of staff.

Epsom Laughter Yoga Club – This takes place at Alexandra Park Epsom (between Bowling green & Children’s playground) – 3rd Sunday of every month at 9am – unless heavy rain. Session will typically last about 50 mins. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring either a yoga mat or a picnic blanket as we may sit/lie down –Sun 15th Apr 2018. FREE taster sessions offered. Visit www.epsomlaughterclub.co.uk for more information.

Nextdoor Ewell Downs – this is a free private social network for your neighbourhood community. Nextdoor is a good way to stay informed about what’s going on in your neighbourhood. There is one for Ewell Downs and there are several members in this area for whom it has proved a useful method of communication.

Keeping in touch – this bulletin is distributed to all those who have provided email addresses. I hope everyone finds this flow of information useful and thank those who have commented in an appreciative way. Please pass this information on to any resident who may find it useful and ask them to let us have their email address so we can keep them in the loop.

GDPR – (General Data Protection Regulation) – you have asked to receive our email bulletins/newsletters. If you are happy with the emails you receive from us, you don’t need to do or change anything. You can un-subscribe anytime via the link below in each email we send. We do not share your email addresses with any other person or organisation.

Subscriptions – thank you to all the residents who have paid their £3.00 by way of returning the green envelope to their road steward, by standing order or online banking. We are most grateful to you. Our printing costs for the newsletter rise ever higher so please if you have not yet done so, pop your contribution into your road steward soon!

Web site – do visit this – www.ewelldownsra.org. This shows all our previous bulletins and other information.

Facebook – our page is being well visited and “liked”. Do go and use this to put comments or pictures of the area on.

Twitter –this is quite active with many followers of Ewelldownsra.

Comments and news reports – please use this as a two-way instrument and let us know if there is anything you wish to report or comment on.

This is primarily to remind everyone about the AGM which is taking place on Tuesday of this coming week. You will have received the printed AGM Notice with the latest news by hand.

AGM Tuesday 10 April 2018 – this will take place at 7.30 pm at Wallace Fields Junior School in Dorling Drive. The doors open at 7.10 and wine and soft drinks will be served beforehand. The back gate of the school on the pathway between The Green and Wallace Fields will be open for pedestrians and the school car park will also be open for parking. In view of the importance of the issue of the future of Epsom Hospital, our speaker will be Daniel Elkeles, the CEO of Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust.

Do come along and join us – we would be delighted to welcome you.

Nescot

There is no further news to report at the moment – we have sent a reminder to Ms Rutter and have been told that this has been drawn to the attention of her PA. We hope she will be in touch soon.

Litter

We have been in touch with the Council to ask for three specific areas to be cleared:

The bridle-way from the Reigate Road to Ewell East Station where drug use items as well as litter can be found

The stretch of College Road from the Longdown Lane North/South traffic lights up to the Reigate Road

The corner area of the shrubbery to the left of the Martial Arts Hut in Alexandra Recreational Ground where used hypodermic syringes are regularly found.

We await action!

Road names for Sycamore Gardens (Phase 2) – the proposed names for the second phase of building on the former Nescot site will be published at the AGM on Tuesday.

Council Tax 2018/19 – a reminder! SCC proportion of Council tax demand rises by 5.99%, the Police by 5.34% and E&E by 2.98%. The overall average rise being 5.583%.

This means that of every £100 paid in Council Tax the Borough Council will receive just £10.46 next year whereas for the 17/18 current year the amount was £10.73 proving the point that Surrey and the Police requirements are increasing at a higher rate than the more moderate Borough Council. More details will be included in the AGM Notice.

Local Plan – we are hoping to be updated on this at the AGM.

For those of you who were not aware – the results of the public consultation are published on www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/localplan under “Summary of Consultation responses”. A few of the results are:

Should we rely on urban intensification using high densities? There were 504 responses to this question – 31% stated YES and 69% stated NO.

Should we review our Green Belt boundaries in order to help meet our long-term housing needs? There were 505 responses-22% (109) stated YES and 78% NO.

Are there any areas that should be added to the Green Belt? There were 106 responses identifying areas that they believed should be added to the Green Belt – see report for further details.

Would you be willing to use extensive areas of the Green Belt? There were 509 responses – 6% stated YES and 94% NO.

Would you be willing accommodate the needs of other areas outside of the Borough? – 498 responses to this question – 15% stated YES and 85% NO.

Would you support a balanced approach where much of our need is met within the urban area but some is allocated to land currently within the Green Belt? With 507 responses 50.1% stated YES and 44.1% NO.

Where should higher density or taller buildings go? Of the 818 responses received 353 favoured town centres and 313 by train stations.

In answer to the question –do you have an alternative suggestion to significantly boost housing and meet our housing need? The main replies were listed in our March bulletin which can be viewed on our website www.ewelldownsra.org

:

Plan E improvement works –work has started on the improvement to the Marquis and Playhouse junctions. Some night work will take place for the first 2 weeks of this phase. Work will take place between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00. All local businesses and residents affected by this will receive leaflets with further details.

Works at both these junctions are programmed to last until the summer. It is expected that these phases will commence shortly. Please note that some traffic disruption during these phases is expected. Please allow more time to your journeys when travelling through the town centre.

Roundabout on Reigate Road – we have sent an email to the facilities manager at Nescot about the state of the planted area close to the new roundabout on the Reigate Road. We have pointed out that the temporary fence is still there; that high growing shrubs should have been planted – not low growing ones! – and that it needs weeding! We shall wait to see what happens!

East Street – this is the report from our councillor following the local committee meeting in March –

“At the Local Committee held this week the report of the Highway Manager (Nick Healey) contained reference to the work headed Capital Programme 2018/19 at East Street junction with Kiln Lane which comprises a new pedestrian crossing on the northern arm of junction plus new parking layby near Chuters Grove.

The column headed “progress” was much as reported to several meetings before such as “delayed due to complexity of traffic management” “Awaiting cost estimates” but it did add “Hoping to construct in Summer 2018”.

I spoke to this item and commented that this scheme had appeared in reports for years now with seemingly no progress and something must be done about the traffic blockage on the A24 into Epsom compounded by the queuing right hand turn lane into Kiln Lane; if nothing is going to be done then put a double yellow line where the gap is.

Nick Healey’s response was somewhat more progressive than formerly, in that –

“The problem with this scheme is of the logistics of doing the work while the traffic flows. In an ideal world we would like to shut Kiln Lane – but that’s not possible – It is likely that the work will be undertaken in August when Kiln Lane would become a contraflow (presumably one direction then being worked on) and Chuters Grove follows on subject to costing”

County Councillor for the division Bernie Muir then spoke saying that she was 100% behind me in getting this scheme undertaken.

That’s the update. Let’s hope it transpires.”

Pothole reporting – Are you aware that pot holes can be reported to Surrey CC? Go to report-it-online. When a pot hole has been reported there is a case for compensation for anyone whose vehicle is later damaged by that pot hole. This web site can also be used to report a problem with pavements, street lighting and many other things.

Community Recycling Centres in Surrey – we would remind residents that the Blenheim Road site is now closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This gets very busy on Thursdays when the Leatherhead tip is closed!

Hessle Grove Allotments – is anyone interested in putting their name on a list for an allotment at Hessle Grove off Epsom Road? If so, please contact us and we will pass the message on.

Change of Borough Police Inspector – with the departure of Jackie Elkins as the Surrey Police Borough Inspector, we have now been advised that Inspector Joe Easterbrook has been appointed to the role, with effect from Sunday 25 March.

LOCAL MATTERS AND EVENTS

Epsom Common Day 2018Sunday 29 July – Epsom will be steeped in local history as this year marks the 400th anniversary of Epsom Well with the discovery of ‘Epsom Salts’ site back in 1618. This gave Epsom its first claim to fame as a Spa town during the 17th & 18th centuries. There will be the Epsom Common Heritage Roadshow, stalls, guided walks, raffle, Christ Church history walk, local crafts, saw mill display, farm animals and Epsom Common Club facilities available, BBQ and much more.

There is a crowd funding page to raise funds to make the day special – for details go to – Epsom Common Day 2018

A Night at the Races – Age Concern

Friday 27th April 2018 – Bar opens @ 7pm – First race @ 7.45pm

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE: http://bit.ly/2EMB3kU HOW MUCH? £10 per person that includes a platter to share on your table. WHERE? St Barnabas Church, Temple Road.

Being a Councillor for Ewell/Nonsuch Wards

Have you ever considered becoming a Borough Councillor?

Councillors are elected to the Borough council to represent their local community, so they must either live or work in the Borough. Becoming a Councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be able to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects.

Being an effective Councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Councillors must balance the needs and interests of residents, the requirements of national and international laws and the Council.

These will all make legitimate demands on a Councillor’s time, so before committing yourself, you may want to speak to current or past Councillors. You should then discuss it with your family and friends to make sure they understand what you are taking on. You will need their support as you’ll have to spend some of your spare time on Council business.

As a first step, why not find out more about the roles and responsibilities in ‘What is expected of a councillor?’

What is expected of a councillor?

The councillor’s role and responsibilities include:

representing the ward for which they are elected

decision-making

developing and reviewing council policy

regulatory, quasi-judicial and statutory duties

community leadership and engagement.

Being a Councillor will involve meeting with residents and dealing with correspondence and phone calls from constituents. When dealing with casework or council business you may need to meet with council staff. Most Council meetings take place during the evenings, but some meetings with Council officers and residents may need to take place during the working day.

Council meetings are normally held six times a year, with Committee meetings about four times. As a new councillor, you are likely to be on one or more committee and may also have the opportunity to be appointed to outside bodies. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience in this area: once elected, you will be able to attend an induction course and will receive on-going support.

Could I be a councillor?

The easy answer is, “almost definitely”. As long as you are:

British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union

At least 18 years old

Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election

You can’t be a councillor if you:

Work for the council for which you want to be a councillor, or for another local authority in a political restricted post (these are generally the higher paid posts)

Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order

Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the 5 years before election day

Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court

If you are in any doubt about whether you are eligible to stand as a councillor, you should contact the borough council for advice.

Priest Hill – the Surrey Wildlife Estate Team now manage the site through a centralised team. Surveyors, Practical Task Leaders, Liaison Officers, an Administrator and Estate Manager work to deliver the various objectives of the site management.

If you have an enquiry about any of their sites please feel free to contact the estates team on: countryside@surreywt.org.uk or 01483 910087 and they can direct your question to the appropriate member of staff.

Epsom Laughter Yoga Club – This takes place at Alexandra Park Epsom (between Bowling green & Children’s playground) – 3rd Sunday of every month at 9am – unless heavy rain. Session will typically last about 50 mins. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring either a yoga mat or a picnic blanket as we may sit/lie down –Sun 15th Apr 2018. FREE taster sessions offered. Visit www.epsomlaughterclub.co.uk for more information.

Nextdoor Ewell Downs – this is a free private social network for your neighbourhood community. Nextdoor is a good way to stay informed about what’s going on in your neighbourhood. There is one for Ewell Downs and there are several members in this area for whom it has proved a useful method of communication.

Keeping in touch – this bulletin is distributed to all those who have provided email addresses. I hope everyone finds this flow of information useful and thank those who have commented in an appreciative way. Please pass this information on to any resident who may find it useful and ask them to let us have their email address so we can keep them in the loop.

Web site – do visit this – www.ewelldownsra.org. This shows all our previous bulletins and other information.

Facebook – our page is being well visited and “liked”. Do go and use this to put comments or pictures of the area on.

Twitter –this is quite active with many followers of Ewelldownsra.

Comments and news reports

– please use this as a two-way instrument and let us know if there is anything you wish to report or comment on

AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of the Eighty Second AGM held on 7 March 2017
3. Statement of Accounts
4. Report from the Committee
5. Election of Officers, Committee and Examiner of Accounts
6. Councillors’ Forum
7. Any Other Business

The Officers and Committee look forward to seeing you at the Annual General
Meeting and we hope you will take this opportunity to meet your neighbours,
committee members and councillors informally. Refreshments will be provided
from 7.10pm.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
The membership subscription of £3.00 per household is now due. It will be
a great help if you would kindly pass your subscription, in the envelope
provided, to your Road Representative, pay on line, or complete the
standing order which is included with this Notice. (See Treasurer’s Report
for further information). (The foregoing does not apply to residents in St James’
Avenue whose Association makes a bulk payment).

Please click on the below for full details of the AGM, including reports and local news.

Before the AGM Notice comes round to you next month, here are a few updates and reminders of events to keep you abreast of local matters.

AGM 10 April 2018 – as advised in the January bulletin, this will take place at 7.30 pm (drinks beforehand) at Wallace Fields Junior School in Dorling Drive. In view of the importance of the issue of the future of Epsom Hospital, our speaker will be Daniel Elkeles, the CEO of Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust. It would be a good idea to have some specific topics that we would like to raise with Daniel. Please get in touch with these so we can direct the presentation to suit our needs. Do come along and join us – we would be delighted to welcome you.

Nescot

There is no further news to report at the moment – we are seeking a meeting with Ms Rutter and hope to advise of the result of this in our next bulletin.

One matter that concerns us is the amount of litter on the pathway to Ewell East Station which continues to increase. Ewell Village residents are planning a litter clean up and the details are shown on the flyer below. They ask for any litter “hot spots” to be identified and we shall pass on the message about the pathway so that this may be included in the clear-up.

Mayfield Lavender plans approved – the planning application for the erection of a replacement shop, extension to car park, extension to outside plant sales area and use of part of an existing glasshouse for a tearoom/lecture room at the site on the Reigate Road was approved at the Planning Committee meeting in January. We look forward to sitting in the sun, surrounded by lavender, drinking coffee and tea with home made cakes!

Applications for flats in Ewell Village – the application for the change of the now closed RAM Security (27 High Street) from office use to residential use with rear extension at first and second floor to provide six self-contained flats and
associated development was approved.

In addition the planning application for the erection of first floor and second floor infill extension to provide 4 x 2 bedroom residential flats, including partial demolition of the existing ground floor structure on 4/5 Market Parade was also approved.

Co-op – Ewell Village – the application to change the shop front signage to a much more stylish logo was also approved. This can be seen on the Planning Application web under ref: 17/01187/ADV.

Mandalina – 74 High Street Ewell – the old Ewell Bakery has been transformed into a new café and is well worth a visit.

N.B. – Residents should note that from 17 January 2018, all planning application fees will increase by 20% in line with national regulations.

Road names for Sycamore Gardens (Phase 2) – the proposed names for the second phase of building on the former Nescot site will be published in the AGM Notice due out next month.

Council Tax 2018/19 – SCC proportion of Council tax demand rises by 5.99%, the Police by 5.34% and E&E by 2.98%. The overall average rise being 5.583%.

This means that of every £100 paid in Council Tax the Borough Council will receive just £10.46 next year whereas for the 17/18 current year the amount was £10.73 proving the point that Surrey and the Police requirements are increasing at a higher rate than the more moderate Borough Council. More details will be included in the AGM Notice.

Local Plan – the results of the public consultation are published on Local Plan under “Summary of Consultation responses”. A few of the results are:

Should we rely on urban intensification using high densities? There were 504 responses to this question – 31% stated YES and 69% stated NO.

Should we review our Green Belt boundaries in order to help meet our long-term housing needs? There were 505 responses-22% (109) stated YES and 78% NO.

Are there any areas that should be added to the Green Belt? There were 106 responses identifying areas that they believed should be added to the Green Belt – see report for further details.

Would you be willing to use extensive areas of the Green Belt? There were 509 responses – 6% stated YES and 94% NO.

Would you be willing accommodate the needs of other areas outside of the Borough? – 498 responses to this question – 15% stated YES and 85% NO.

Would you support a balanced approach where much of our need is met within the urban area but some is allocated to land currently within the Green Belt? With 507 responses 50.1% stated YES and 44.1% NO.

Where should higher density or taller buildings go? Of the 818 responses received 353 favoured town centres and 313 by train stations.

In answer to the question -do you have an alternative suggestion to significantly boost housing and meet our housing need? The main replies listed:

Truly affordable or social housing meeting local needs; additional housing should prioritise local people in real housing need; additional housing only to meet local needs; any new housing should be truly affordable and meet local need; majority of new housing on any scale should be affordable; the emphasis should be on affordable housing.

Countering this the comments were – no loss of Green Belt or park land; no loss of Green Belt which is performing its proper function; Green Belt preservation should be a priority otherwise the character and identity of the area will be destroyed; building on the Green Belt would undoubtedly be the thin edge of the wedge and would lead to extreme environmental damage; oppose any use of Green Belt as once it’s gone it’s gone for all future generations.

Suggestions for areas where housing can be provided included – properly evaluate brownfield sites first; empty office blocks that can be converted into housing; free up empty properties; interrogate disused and under used sites. There were suggestions for more efficient/intensive space utilisation/backland/downsizing.

On the subject of development strain on supporting infrastructure – the comments were – the amount of homes being asked for is not realistic, our transport links, schools and hospitals are already stretched to the max; need to consider provision of other services, such as hospitals, schools, transport; Epsom roads are absolutely full to bursting… GP surgeries are overrun with patients and schools are over-subscribed.

In addition to supporting denser housing near town centre/rail stations, the comments included – look to other/more suitable areas across UK; action should be taken to address the unsustainable population growth in the South East when other areas of the country are shrinking; promote the idea of building a new town with the appropriate infrastructure somewhere accessible some 50 miles north of greater London; giving areas other than London and the South East a boost. There were also concerns with Government policy.

Several sites were proposed for redevelopment and these are shown on the web. The overall result was that 73% of respondents favoured a balanced approach.

We hope to learn more about what happens next at our AGM.

Plan E improvement works –the footway paving on the eastern side of South Street has now been completed. This pavement is now fully open. Lane closures and temporary footways have now been set up on the western side of South Street. Works on this side of the road will include paving of the footway, removing and reinstating kerbs and work to traffic signals. The new loading bay on South Street is not yet in use. This will fully open once the works on the western side of South Street have been completed.

Once they have completed the footway work on South Street, they will move onto the next phases of the scheme. These phases will include the improvement to the Marquis and Playhouse junctions. It is expected that these phases will commence shortly. Please note that some traffic disruption during these phases is expected. Please allow more time to your journeys when travelling through the town centre.

East Street – still no progress on the road alterations! We understand that due to financial constraints the Kiln Lane Link has been shelved.

Litter clearance on East Street – A huge litter-pick in Epsom’s East Street has been carried-out by the World Mission Society Church of God. More than 100 bags of litter were collected by 40 volunteers last Sunday, February 11. Allegedly, 320kg of litter was collected during the day – equivalent to the weight of a large Bengal Tiger.

Alexander Holmes, a member of the Church of God, said: “As we belong to Epsom we really want it to have a clean and beautiful image. “We chose East Street as it is the main entrance from central London and the first impression people get of Epsom.

Well done everyone who participated – an example to all of us to make sure that the area outside our home is clear of litter – a small step but an important one!

166 Bus route – We are delighted to announce that bus route 166 will be retained without amendment for the next 5 years, thanks to an agreement between Surrey County Council (SCC) and Transport for London.

Parking Restrictions – Do you have a suggestion for a new on-street parking restriction in Epsom and Ewell for consideration in the next parking review? Please let SCC know by the end of February. The Local Committee will consider proposals on 19 June.

Pothole reporting – Are you aware that pot holes can be reported to Surrey CC? Go to Report It Online. When a pot hole has been reported there is a case for compensation for anyone whose vehicle is later damaged by that pot hole. This web site can also be used to report a problem with pavements, street lighting and many other things.

Community Recycling Centres in Surrey – the collection of recyclable waste over Christmas proved very successful. Despite notices being attached to all bins advising that the grey ones would not be collected for one week, many calls were made to the Council “why wasn’t my bin collected today?” Really!!

We would remind residents that the Blenheim Road site is now closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Epsom Post Office – there is good news! After months of uncertainty, the Post Office has now secured a permanent location for the office. It has now opened in a new card and gift shop at 59, High Street. We wish the new team all the best for the new shop and Post Office and hope this will secure its long term future.

Hessle Grove Allotments – is anyone interested in putting their name on a list for an allotment at Hessle Grove off Epsom Road? If so, please contact us and we will pass the message on.

LOCAL MATTERS AND EVENTS

Herald of Spring – this is on Saturday 10 March at Bourne Hall, Ewell from 9.30 am until 5 pm. This year’s theme is Mother Nature – learn about local green and natural organisations, local open spaces, see the flower displays and buy locally produced honey.

Priest Hill – the Surrey Wildlife Estate Team now manage the site through a centralised team. Surveyors, Practical Task Leaders, Liaison Officers, an Administrator and Estate Manager work to deliver the various objectives of the site management.

If you have an enquiry about any of their sites please feel free to contact the estates team on: countryside@surreywt.org.uk or 01483 910087 and they can direct your question to the appropriate member of staff.

Epsom Laughter Club – Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine which combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Visit www.epsomlaughterclub.co.uk for more information.

Warning re burglaries – there have been several attempted and one actual burglary in the immediate area over the last month. Please make sure you take every precaution to prevent this happening to you. Most of these have taken place in the afternoon.

Nextdoor Ewell Downs – this is a free private social network for your neighbourhood community. Nextdoor is a good way to stay informed about what’s going on in your neighbourhood. There is one for Ewell Downs and there are several members in this area for whom it has proved a useful method of communication.

Keeping in touch – this bulletin is distributed to all those who have provided email addresses. I hope everyone finds this flow of information useful and thank those who have commented in an appreciative way. Please pass this information on to any resident who may find it useful and ask them to let us have their email address so we can keep them in the loop.

Web site – do visit this – www.ewelldownsra.org. This shows all our previous bulletins and other information.

Facebook – our page is being well visited and “liked”. Do go and use this to put comments or pictures of the area on.

Twitter – this is quite active with many followers of Ewelldownsra.

Comments and news reports – please use this as a two-way instrument and let us know if there is anything you wish to report or comment on

Surrey County Council Local Committee have just launched a poll on our local Twitter feed asking whether residents would support a ban on pavement parking in the Borough and indeed across Surrey in the same way as is currently possible in London. Here is the link to the Tweet

The poll will be open for 7 days. If any of you have social media accounts and feel able to share this with residents or can ask them to vote it would be much appreciated so that we can collect as many views as possible.

Residents in #EpsomandEwell value the grass verges in the Borough, but these are often damaged and pavements are blocked for pedestrians by irresponsible parking. In London, unless specifically permitted, a parking ticket could be issued, would you like to see this in E&E?